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Trail Thoughts

On days when the trail never ends, is when thoughts speak the loudest.

Keleigh Jusczak

Nov 14, 2016

Simpson University

Keleigh Jusczak

Anybody who is a avid trail stomper knows just how many thoughts go through ones head when on the trail. There seems to be some kind of switch that turns on thoughts to full speed...

There are times where it is a beautiful summer day when the trail seems to be going on forever. There are really only 3 ways to handle a trail that never seems to end, to make time go by quicker.

1. If it is a group outing, talking amongst each other is a good way to solve this.

2. Think about the growling stomach and sore feet because they speak louder than any words some days.

3. Reflect on life and deep thoughts.. ( and occasionally getting stupid songs that come in and out. Why is it always Christmas songs or something like Oompa Loompa?)

As a hiker, all 3 are very common, and happen even on almost every trip whether it is a huge multi day trip, or a small day trip.

The 3rd one can be extremely beneficial. Many people head out on the trail because they love being outside and that is where they clear their mind that best... What if, having thoughts going through our heads actually helps us clear our minds?

This world is so crazy. People have questions being thrown at them left and right. This can be so demanding that their thoughts are filled with decisions, and answers.

Being out on the trail can give an opportunity to let thoughts be thoughts, and people to reflect on their life. Thoughts may be crazy, but hiking can be a place that releases pressure, as well as let people think about whatever they want! Maybe someone needs just a little bit more time to ponder a decision.

Trail thoughts can project some of the most sophisticated and truthful thoughts. Peoples lives can be changed as they stop talking, stop worrying, and start thinking. Hiking can help people reflect on God's beautiful creation, as well as what He is doing in their life, or who He is to them.

So next time YOU hit the trail... spend some time in silence, and think and ponder about whatever needs to be thought about. Let thoughts be thoughts.

(Just make sure your thoughts are louder than a growly stomach!)

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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